Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound observation apparatus for generating an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal acquired by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer. The apparatus includes: an analysis unit that performs FFT on a sample data group having pieces of sample data in RF data generated based on the ultrasound signal, to calculate frequency spectra; a correction unit that generates, based on the frequency spectra, analysis data indicating a relationship between a distance from the ultrasound transducer and an intensity of each of the frequency spectra for each frequency component, and corrects the analysis data based on a correction amount set for each distance, the correction amount causing an intensity of reference data generated from a reference ultrasound signal to be constant regardless of the distance; and a calculation unit that calculates a frequency feature based on a frequency spectrum generated in accordance with the corrected analysis data.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a transducer, a detecting device and a processor. The transducer includes an emitter and receiver configured to detect a property of an object being scanned at a scanning location. The detecting device is configured to detect a position of the transducer relative to the object being scanned. The processor is configured to obtain, from the transducer, scan information representative of the property when the transducer is positioned at a first position; obtain, form the detecting device, position information representative of the position of the transducer relative to the object being scanned when the transducer is disposed in the first position; determine a coordinate location from the position information; associate the coordinate location with the scan information; and cause the coordinate location associated with the scan information to be stored in a storage.

Abstract: A transmission circuit for ultrasonic diagnosis includes a delay processing circuit that delays a transmission signal pattern and an operational circuit that calculates a delay time. A transmission timing for supplying the transmission signal pattern to a plurality of piezo electric elements corresponding to a plurality of channels is approximated by a multi-dimensional polynomial with locations of the plurality of piezo electric elements being variables so that the transmission timing becomes linear or arc-like. Coefficients in the multi-dimensional polynomial are supplied to the transmission circuit for ultrasonic diagnosis. The delay time in the delay processing circuit is determined by a first coefficient. The operational circuit calculates the delay time based on a second coefficient.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and a method of editing a label displayed with an ultrasound image are provided. The ultrasound system displays a plurality of labels generated based on a predetermined threshold value on the ultrasound image, receives a selection signal for selecting at least one label from the plurality of labels and an adjustment signal for adjusting the predetermined threshold value, generates at least one new label based on a threshold value adjusted according to the adjustment signal, and replaces and displays some of the at least one new label on a region corresponding to the at least one selected label.

Abstract: A method of generating therapeutic ultrasound that forms multi-foci by a therapeutic ultrasound probe, the method including: obtaining a medical image including anatomical information of a region of interest in a subject; calculating, by using the medical image, characteristics which influence traveling of therapeutic ultrasound with respect to tissues included in the region of interest; calculating, by using the calculated characteristics, a parameter of the therapeutic ultrasound for forming multi-foci in the region of interest; and generating the therapeutic ultrasound according to the calculated parameter.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing gain of an ultrasound image may include: acquiring a tissue image and a first noise image under a same imaging condition; de-noising the tissue image by the first noise image to obtain a de-noised tissue image; identifying a tissue region in the de-noised tissue image; determining whether a percentage of the tissue region in the de-noised tissue image exceeds a preset threshold condition; selecting, according to the determination result, a corresponding calculation method to calculate a first master gain and a first time gain compensation (TGC) curve for the tissue image; and applying the first TGC curve and the first master gain obtained through calculation to the tissue image acquired before.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing cardiovascular images over a respiratory cycle through a computer system is provided. A plurality of cardiovascular images is obtained. A cardiac phase is measured for each cardiovascular image of the plurality of cardiovascular images to associate each cardiovascular image to a cardiac phase. A respiratory phase is measured for each cardiovascular image of the plurality of cardiovascular images to associate each cardiovascular image to a respiratory phase. A first group of cardiovascular images with an associated first cardiac phase of the plurality of cardiovascular images is sorted in order of respiratory phases. The first group of cardiovascular images with the associated first cardiac phase of the plurality of cardiovascular images is displayed in order of respiratory phases.

Abstract: Doppler ultrasound systems are valuable diagnostic tool for investigation of vascular blood flow pattern and velocity. Error in blood velocity measurements made by doppler instruments will cause probable misdiagnosis in clinical practice. There are different phantom designs for evaluation of the performance and QC of doppler ultrasonography systems. Among different phantom designs the string phantom because of their ability to precise calculation of target velocity were widely used by different investigators. Generally this type of phantom consists of a moving string with known velocity as a target inside a water tank to mimic blood flow inside the vessels of the body. We designed a new string phantom with three dependently adjustable parameters including target velocity, target angle and target depth.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described, including: a skin-covering material including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface substantially conforming to a topography of a skin surface of an individual and including a plurality of signal-generating complexes, one or more of the plurality of signal-generating complexes configured to emit one or more signals in response to at least one type of microbe; an image capture device to capture an image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material, the image including one or more signals emitted from the plurality of signal-generating complexes, and to transform the image into a digital output; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output, compare the properties of the imaged one or more signals with a database of reference signal-generating complexes, and generate a digital spatial profile of microbes on the skin-covering material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device for performing skin biopsies, comprising a casing (2) housing a rod (3) on the distal end (3a) of which there is a circular blade (4), and means for causing simultaneous rotation and longitudinal advancement of the rod (3) from a first retracted position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) does not project via the distal end (2a) of the casing (2), to a second extended position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) projects via the distal end (2a) of the casing, followed by simultaneous rotation and longitudinal retraction of said rod (3) from said second extended position to said first retracted position.

Abstract: A blood vessel dissecting device method involves inserting a dissecting device into a living body, advancing the dissecting device along a vein, and dissecting the vein and tissue bound to the vein from other surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a delivery catheter with a mechanism of discharging an adhesive during and/or immediately prior to deployment of the medical device by the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A delivery system for flowable substances includes a squeezable container having a sealed proximal end, a sealed distal end having a dispensing neck, and an outer wall that surrounds a storage reservoir. The delivery system has a container support frame assembled with the squeezable container having a proximal edge secured to the sealed proximal end of the squeezable container, a distal edge secured to the dispensing neck of the squeezable container, and first and second lateral edges extending between the proximal and distal edges and overlying opposing sides of the squeezable container. The proximal and distal edges and the first and second lateral edges define a central opening of the container support frame that provides access to the outer wall of the squeezable container. The container support frame has an elongated handle that extends proximally from the proximal edge of the container support frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating pleural abnormalities in a subject in need thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a biodegradable polymeric membrane onto a pleural wound to elicit fibronectin from fibroblasts to cause fibrous adhesion; and (b) securing the membrane with securement products, including sutures, staples, and sealants. The present invention also relates to a biodegradable adhesion membrane used for treating pleural abnormalities, comprising: a biodegradable base material selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(ethylene adipate), poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and polyglycolic acid (PGA); wherein the thickness of the membrane is 0.1-1 mm.

Abstract: An occluder including at least one occluding body, a multiple of elongate members forming an expanding unit capable of expanding into at least one fixation structure for fixing the occluding body within the passage thereby expanding the occluding body), the elongate members penetrating the occluding body, a locking unit for locking the expanding unit in its expanded state, fixation bushes for restricting relative movement between the elongate members and the occluding body, each fixation bush surrounding one single elongate member and abutting the occluding body, at least one thread and wherein at least one of these fixation bushes is fastened to the at least one occluding body with this at least one thread, the thread penetrating the at least one bush and the occluding body.

Abstract: A device for percutaneous transcathetral closure of Atrial Septal Defect by deploying a pericardial patch without ardiopulmonary bypass includes a guide, and a head including a distal jaw and a proximal jaw. The guide includes guide knobs which move guide levers of the guide forward and backward via a rod and control the head. Each of the distal jaw and the proximal jaw includes a plurality of alms which closes when a distal disc moves forward and a proximal disc moves backward. The aims of the distal jaw and the arms of the proximal jaw open through a pressure when the distal disc moves backward and the proximal disc moves forward. When the arms of the distal jaw and the aims of the proximal jaw are completely open, pins located on the arm of the distal jaw engage with sockets located on the arm of the proximal jaw.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus can be a self-contained device for delivery and deployment of a tissue engineered wound plug that can secure fascial closure of laparoscopic port-site wounds. The wound plug can include a subfascial rivet head, a suprafascial rivet head, and a compressible column. Once in the wound, the wound plug may be deployed with the subfascial rivet head below the fascia of the wound and the suprafascial rivet head above the fascia of the wound. As this occurs, the column of the wound plug can be stationed within the opening of the wound. Once the wound plug is secured above, below, and within the fascial defect, the rivet heads may be interlocked within an inner channel of the column and remaining elements of the apparatus may be removed and discarded.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an element connectable with a fixture. A first member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially posterior portion of an incision relative to a body. A second member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially anterior portion of the incision relative to the body. A third member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially cephalad portion of the incision relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are trans-abdominal gastric systems and related methods that are useful in a range of applications for accessing internal regions of a patient. A cannula has internal and external anchors to reliably secure the anchor to an abdominal wall of the patient. An introducer with a capture element facilitates system placement by retrograde introduction. Upon completion, the system is removed and the gastric and abdominal wall incision and defect closed by sutures specially connected to the system that ensures reliable system removal and suture closure in a configuration that is outside the abdominal wall. The systems and methods are particularly suited for use with conventional laparoscopic or endoscopic medical instruments.

Abstract: A surgical device provides a retractor tool or rake with integral lighting. The device includes a retractor body having a rake finger at one end and a handle at its other end. A light source is embedded in the rake finger. A power unit supplies a current to the light source, and a cable interconnects the retractor body and the power unit. Sterile packaging is adapted to contain the surgical device, wherein the sterile packaging has a deactivation feature for preventing the supplying of current from the power unit to the light source while the device is stored within the sterile packaging, and wherein removal of the device from the sterile packaging results in automatically supplying the current to the light source.

Abstract: A device and method for fixating soft tissue to hard tissue with the aid of a suture anchor and a suture or with the aid of a headed anchor, wherein the anchor is forced into the hard tissue and then anchored therein by in situ liquefaction of a material having thermoplastic properties. The device includes a vibration tool and the anchor and possibly a support element, wherein the anchor includes an anchor foot and a thermoplastic sleeve. The thermoplastic sleeve includes the material having thermoplastic properties. The anchor foot has a distal end suitable for being forced into hard tissue and it is connected to the distal end of the vibration tool and the thermoplastic sleeve sits on a proximal face of the anchor foot, the vibration tool and/or a proximal portion of the anchor foot extending into or through the thermoplastic sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices capable of (1) gasping tissue, (2) passing suture through the tissue, and (3) resetting both their tissue grasping and suture passing features without the device being removed from the incision.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device includes a plate member and an anchor. The plate member having a periphery, the plate member configured to be positioned along an outer surface of the soft tissue. The anchor includes a base and six legs extending from the base, the six legs extending from the base being moveable to a curled configuration such that the six legs wrap around separate portions of the periphery of the plate member with the soft tissue therebetween. In this manner, the repair device may be anchored to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: A power system for and method of operation of an arteriovenous access valve system including two valves positioned near arteriovenous grafts, an actuator assembly in fluid communication with the valves and including a driver assembly, at least one pressure sensor, a separate activator device for driving the driver assembly, and a sensor communications device communicatively coupled to the at least one pressure sensor for wirelessly transmitting pressure measurements. The power system and method also include using an initiator device located in the activator device to power remotely the sensor communications device, for example via near field communication such as via a radio frequency field.

Abstract: An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward providing enhanced structural support to an organ. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes structure configured and arranged to partially encircle a tubular organ, having a semi-cylindrical shape with a tapered end and blunt end of the cylinder. A gap region provides a region of the organ that is unrestricted/unsupported. Struts/lattice facilitate ingrowth of tissue, and couple the apparatus to the organ, which allows the apparatus to provide support/restrict flow in the organ without necessarily coupling to any other structure (e.g., with the majority or all of the support provided via the apparatus as coupled onto and terminating on a sidewall of the tubular organ).

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an actuator. A member is connected with the actuator and includes a mating part releasably engageable with a tissue engaging element such that the member is interchangeable with a plurality of alternate tissue engaging elements. Systems, implants and methods are described.

Abstract: A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill guide for use in drilling an acetabular tunnel. The drill guide comprises a cannulated shaft having a handle towards a proximal end, and an offset arm towards a distal end. The arm is flexible or pivotable and has a distal tip for engaging the articular surface of the acetabulum, and is offset from a projected path of the shaft cannulation.

Abstract: A guide pin piercing jig includes a curved frame, a front cylinder unit provided at a front end of the frame, and a rear cylinder unit provided at a rear end of the frame, in which the front cylinder unit has a positioning projection and a boring aiming portion at a tip thereof, the rear cylinder unit has a plurality of parallel guide pin insertion cylinders into which to insert the guide pins and a tentative fixing unit provided at a tip of the rear cylinder unit, and the rear cylinder unit is provided at a rear end of the frame slidably so as be directed to a tip of the front cylinder unit. It becomes possible to aim at a proper portion of a living body bone through which to bore a bone tunnel and to pierce the living body bone with guide pins for hollow drills from behind the living body bone to the proper aiming portion in a proper direction.

Abstract: An aspiration system including a housing containing an aspiration pump, a chamber, a collection bag in fluid communication with the chamber, and a tubing assembly including a first tube portion connected to the chamber. The tubing assembly has a connector to split the first tube portion into a second and third tube portion, the second tube portion in fluid communication with a first catheter to aspirate particles through the first catheter and the third tube portion in fluid communication with a second catheter to aspirate particles through the second catheter.

Abstract: Methods for performing non-invasive thrombolysis with ultrasound using, in some embodiments, one or more ultrasound transducers to focus or place a high intensity ultrasound beam onto a blood clot (thrombus) or other vascular inclusion or occlusion (e.g., clot in the dialysis graft, deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, arterial embolus, bypass graft thrombosis or embolization, pulmonary embolus) which would be ablated (eroded, mechanically fractionated, liquefied, or dissolved) by ultrasound energy. The process can employ one or more mechanisms, such as of cavitational, sonochemical, mechanical fractionation, or thermal processes depending on the acoustic parameters selected. This general process, including the examples of application set forth herein, is henceforth referred to as “Thrombolysis.

Abstract: A surgical clamp jaw is disclosed, having an inner profile and a deflection control profile opposite the inner profile. In one embodiment, the inner profile has a first substantially concave profile in an unclamped position and a second substantially flat profile in a clamped position. In one embodiment, the deflection control profile has one or more sets of corresponding abutment surfaces, at least one set of which is not contacting each other when the inner profile is in the unclamped position and which is contacting each other when the inner profile is in the clamped position. In one embodiment, the surgical clamp jaw defines one or more flexion assistance voids, wherein at least one of the one or more flexion assistance voids is in contact with a gap between one of the one or more sets of corresponding abutment surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The shaft includes a pair of channels defined in the interior surface thereof towards the distal end of the shaft. A drive member is movably disposed within the shaft. An end effector assembly is pivotably coupled to the shaft towards the distal end of the shaft. A cam pin operably couples the end effector assembly and the drive member such that movement of the drive member relative to the shaft manipulates the end effector assembly. Ends of the cam pin extend outwardly from the end effector assembly and are received within the channels of the shaft to guide movement of the cam pin relative to the shaft in response to movement of the drive member relative to the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the tissue separating device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that may extend from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The tissue separating device includes a cam mechanism at the distal portion of the sheath that allows the user of the device to more accurately control the extension and rotation of the cutting blade upon being actuated by the handle.

Abstract: A surgical compactor and extractor for intra-abdominal and laparoscopic surgeries includes a compaction mechanism, a suction tubing, and a suction mechanism. The compaction mechanism has an expandable isolation chamber that is operable between a closed configuration and an open configuration via an actuation mechanism that is either mechanical or pneumatic. The expandable isolation chamber is toggled to the open configuration in order to encompass tissue within a patient's body and then toggled to the closed configuration in order to compact the tissue and remove the tissue from the patient. The suction tubing has an evacuation conduit that traverses along a flexible body and is used in conjunction with the suction mechanism to remove fluid and particulate matter as the tissue is compacted. The suction mechanism includes a vacuum unit to create a pressure differential and a reservoir to collect the fluid and particulate matter.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy or material collection device may comprise a work element consisting of an outer tube with external sheath and formed from a tapered helical structure over an internal tube structure configured to open and close its distal end to perform penetration, coring, capturing, parting off and transporting multiple material samples in a single or multiple insertion procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool has probe body with an operative surface or edge contactable with organic tissues for performing a surgical operation on the tissues. A shank of the probe body is provided with a connector for operatively attaching the tool to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy. The shank and a portion of the probe body are formed with a channel for fluid delivery to the probe body. At least a portion of the probe body located between the channel and the operative surface or edge has a microporous or sintered structure enabling fluid penetration to the operative surface or edge from the channel.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic probe a tapered section in which a sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis decreases from a proximal side toward a distal side is provided on the distal side with respect to a probe main body section. When the probe main body section and the tapered section vibrate in an established frequency range, a most distal vibration node positioned most distally among vibration nodes is positioned on the proximal side with respect to a proximal end of the tapered section, and a ? wavelength of the vibration is smaller than a taper dimension from the proximal end the tapered section to a distal end of the tapered section in a longitudinal axis direction.

Abstract: A catheter is provided, which includes a cutting element having one or more raised elements. The cutting element has a cup-shaped surface at the distal end that may be smooth and continuous except for the raised elements.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing an incision in a portion of a tissue comprises first and second pivoting legs, movable towards each other with respect to a fixed end and defining a receiving space between the legs configured to receive the free edge of the portion of tissue. The surgical instrument has an initial position with relatively opened legs and a closed position, where no further closing movement of the pivoting legs towards each other is possible. A tissue perforating member located at a free end of the first leg extends into the receiving space at a distance from the fixed end, such that when the legs are in the closed position, the tissue can be perforated at a perforation location separated from the free edge of the tissue, while an uncut tissue band remains between the perforation location and the free edge.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: Pixel array medical devices, systems and methods are described for skin grafting and skin resection procedures. The procedures involve applying a scalpet array to a target skin site. The scalpet array comprises scalpets positioned on an investing plate. Skin pixels are circumferentially incised at a target skin site by applying a load via the scalpet array onto subjacent skin surface that includes the target skin site. Incised skin pixels are captured on an adherent substrate, where the incised skin pixels are extruded through the scalpet array. Bases of incised skin pixels extruded through the scalpet array are then transected.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for transradial access. In at least one embodiment of a device for providing access to a vessel or other luminal organ of the present disclosure, the device comprises a needle having a needle tip, a sheath positioned around at least part of the needle, the sheath defining an aperture at a distal sheath end, and a protractor in communication with the needle, whereby engagement of the protractor causes the needle tip to protract from the sheath, and whereby release of the protractor causes the needle tip to retract into the sheath.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device includes a needle member having a curved portion, a handle coupled to the needle member, and a pusher member including a sheath and an extension member. The sheath may be bendable. The extension member is configured to be slidably coupled to a track of the handle such that extension member slides within the track during a medical procedure. The sheath defines a lumen configured to receive a portion of the needle member. The extension member is configured to be de-coupled from the track of the handle after the medical procedure. The sheath is configured to be de-coupled from the needle member after the medical procedure. In some examples, the sheath of the pusher member is configured to bend to conform to the curved portion when the sheath of the pusher member is moved over the curved portion of the needle member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue is provided that has a driving actuator with a body and motor shaft that is reciprocated. A coupler is attached to the motor shaft, and a key engages the driving actuator and coupler and limits rotational motion of the motor shaft and permits linear motion of the motor shaft. A penetrating member is carried by the coupler, and linear motion of the motor shaft is translated to the penetrating member to linearly reciprocate the penetrating member.